Spoiled Philadelphia heiress Tracy Lord throws out her playboy husband C.K. Dexter Haven shortly after their marriage. Two years later, Tracy is about to marry respectable, but dull, George Kittredge. Dexter arrives at the Lord mansion the day before the wedding with Mike Connor and Liz Imbrie, respectively a writer and photographer from a sleazy tabloid, determined to prevent the marriage from taking place.

Aubrey Piper, only a clerk, pretends to be a railroad executive. He comes into the life of the Fisher family when daughter Amy falls in love with him. The family sees through his stories and can't stand him and his blowhard manner, especially Mrs. Fisher. Aubrey ends up unemployed and walking the street wearing a sandwich sign-the only work he can find. Eventually his luck turns and he helps a friend sell a patent and a deal he worked out at the railroad comes through making him wealthy. He marries Amy and her family comes to accept him and his show-off ways.

Story of aspiring actresses and dancers who live in a theatrical boarding house. Terry Randall is from a well-to-do family and her superior attitude annoys the other girls. Kaye Hamilton is a sweet, unassuming, totally dedicated actress who aspires to one role in particular. Jean Maitland is the streetwise hoofer with a heart of gold who rooms with Terry. After Terry outmaneuvers Kaye for the coveted part Kaye commits suicide, turning the other girls against her and forcing Tracy to do some soul searching. Jean helps Terry to learn a few things about herself and Terry emerges a better person and actress.